Window Ventilation Assembly Automatic Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation and operating assemblies for windows lack enhanced security against unauthorized access and ease of operation, particularly due to the need for user activation of locking mechanisms, which can lead to vulnerabilities if not properly set.

Innovation Solution

An automated and secure locking system is integrated into the ventilation and operating assembly, utilizing a rail member with an engagement element and hook portion, combined with a compression spring, allowing for automatic locking and easy operation by engaging the hook with a groove when the handle is gripped, and returning to a locked position upon release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking means is provided in the ventilation passage to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the locking means requires user activation which creates vulnerability if not properly set

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means is designed to automatically engage and lock the ventilation assembly without requiring user activation. The spring element automatically pushes the locking element into the locked position, and the system self-regulates through the interaction between the locking element, engagement element, and groove geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is pre-loaded to automatically engage the locking element in the locked position before any ventilation operation is attempted. This preliminary locking action ensures security is established automatically, eliminating the vulnerability of unactivated locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the locking means is made selective and activatable only when needed, then ease of operation is improved, but security is reduced because the locking means may not be active

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines when locking is needed and executes it without user input. The spring element continuously maintains the locking element in the locked position, and the only way to unlock is through the intentional operation of the ventilation assembly itself, which automatically disengages the lock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If an automated locking system is implemented to lock automatically when not in use, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the existing ventilation assembly structure. The locking element is integrated into the ventilation passage, the engagement element is part of the movable element, and the spring element uses the existing movable element's movement to activate unlocking. This integration avoids adding separate complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable element serves dual functions: it acts as both the ventilation control component and the locking mechanism actuator. The spring element serves both as a return spring for the movable element and as the driving force for the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides improved security by automatically locking the assembly when not in use and ease of operation by allowing simple handling for opening and closing, ensuring enhanced protection without requiring user activation.

Implementation Method 1

a force creating element, in this case in the form of a compression spring (80), inserted into the space (70) so as to create a bias when the locking device is activated to be moved from a locking position to a released position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2915945B1A ventilation and operating assembly having a locking device
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP2915945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2915945B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2915945B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a ventilation and operating assembly for bringing a sash from an open position to a closed position and vice versa relative to a frame of a window. The ventilation and operating assembly comprises a closure portion (14,18) having an inner side and an opposite outer side, a first end edge (19) including a hinge part for connection to the sash and an opposite second end edge (15), a handle portion (11) including a portion (12) connecting the handle portion (11) with the closure portion (14, 18), and a locking device (60) movable between a locking position and a released position.